When the registration's complete

a partial copy of the birth entry made in the national register - also known as an 'abbreviated extract' - this won't include details about the child's parents

a form to register your baby with an NHS doctor

You can get a full extract of the birth entry - which includes details about the parents - for a fee.

Contacting other organisations

Having a child may affect your tax or benefits. Some local councils offer the 'Tell Us Once' service. This service reports a birth to several government organisations so you don't have to. The registrar will let you know if this service is available in your area.

If the birth happens abroad

You must register the birth according to the laws in the country where the child was born. You'll be given a local birth certificate.

This local birth certificate should be accepted in the UK. Depending on where you give birth, you might need to have the birth certificate translated and certified if it's not in English.

You can register the birth with the UK authorities. You don't have to do this but it means that a record of the birth will be sent to the National Records of Scotland and you can order a 'consular birth registration certificate' from New Register House.